Reviews

I had already watched the Hellsing TV version and really enjoyed the story, so I was thrilled when I found out there was a Hellsing "Ultimate" OVA. Perhaps my expectations were too high. I found that the OVA contained some amazing moments and I certainly like that there was more blood and adult content, but overall I found it played out like a cheesy, over-the-top vampire opera and found myself fast-forwarding through episodes.

Here is an interesting comparison: some people prefer the movie Aliens over the original Alien. Alien had more style and left more to the imagination -- it was more about psychological terror. Aliens was more of an action flick with aliens getting blasted and popping out of walls and ceilings left and right. Hellsing and Hellsing Ultimate are similar. Hellsing was a bit reserved, with more style, and skillfully climaxing with the moment when the vampire Alucard reveals the true extent of his power and hints at his true identity. Hellsing Ultimate is a wild ride that shows Alucard at nearly his maximum power in episode 1 and things get crazier from there. More blood, more rape, more cursing, villains who rant and rave for what seems like 10 solid minutes, impossibly esoteric special powers, and special powers that vastly exceed the aforementioned special powers.

I won't go into more detail that that in order to avoid spoilers. Most people seem to prefer Ultimate, but I for one appreciate the more subtle approach taken by the Hellsing series. My overall enjoyment of the series only warrants a 5 out of 10.